Twister (1996)

Twister was a mega-million-dollar blockbuster--helmed by a director (Dutchman Jan de Bont) hot off another scorcher hit (Speed)--that flaunted state-of-the-art digital effects and featured a popular leading actress (Helen Hunt) who would win an Academy Award for her next film (As Good As It Gets). But ask anybody who's seen it and they'll tell you who the real star of Twister is: the cow. Not to give anything away, but the cow is one of those inspired little touches (like, say, Bronson Pinchot's career-making cameo in Beverly Hills Cop) that adds a touch of personality to a gigantic Hollywood production. The story is blown out the window after an impressive prologue in which Hunt's character, as a little girl, witnesses her daddy being sucked into a tornado. Basically, Hunt and Bill Paxton are thrill-seeking meteorologists chasing twisters in order to study them (and help warn people of them, of course) with a new technology they've developed. If you thought the Kansas tornado in The Wizard of Oz was every bit as scary as the Wicked Witch of the West, then this may be the movie for you. --Jim Emerson Amazon.com

Finally,Great Video Transfer for Twister(on Blu-Ray)

Twister is one of my all-time favorite action movies and have watched it more times than I would like to admit.The best transfer on DVD still left alot to be desired.Now,the the transfer on Blu-Ray has been cleaned up and improved dramatically.It's not reference quality,of course,but I give the picture a solid 4 out of 5 for a movie of this age.I can't comment on the new lossless soundtrack because I am unable to decode yet.
Definitely highly recommended even if you have the latest DVD version. October 26, 2008

Powerful, totally captivating, worth owning

Twister ranks up in my top movies of all time. When it first came out, the special effects were considered ground breaking and even jaw dropping. Years later the effects are just as incredible, effective and powerful as ever. Various kinds of twisters were created, and they are so believable. Every time I watch this movie, during the twister scenes my heart pounds and my eyes are glued to the screen. It's just so believable and so darn exciting!

I have to disagree with the person who said the story line takes second place to the special effects. Yes, the special effects are totally remarkable, but this movie would be nothing without the great characters and complicated, moving love story. Throw in some first rate actors with tremendous appeal and you've got a winner. This movie holds your attention throughout and entertains on every level.

Bottom line: I highly recommend this movie as a purchase. October 25, 2008

Unless it's remastered, don't be suprised if BR verson on older titles is only kinda better...

People, if it ain't remastered, it's only going to be a moderate improvement, compared to standard def, unless it animation or shot in high def already. You wanna' see spectacular, get Blade Runner special edition in Blue Ray...OMG...now that's something to see and WORTH!!!!! my dollars. I've yet to see anything made more than ten years ago come even close to that title. Twister is one of my all time favs that can be watched at least twice a year. I may get this in BR; but, that's an exception. As far as I'm concerned, the movie industry is only porting most of their products in to BR, without much concern about quality, to get more money in their pocket, knowing full well that the end result could be much...much better if they took the time to remaster each and EVERY title to maximize the end result. For what they are charging we fans, this should be standard practice. October 11, 2008

a MUST have!!!!

As my title mention, this movie is a definite must have. I have always been a tornado enthusiast and this is as close to the real thing as you can get.

Where I live, we recently experienced the magnitude of a real twister first hand. Although the twister that swept through here was rated an F2 tornado, the damage was extreme (one can only imagine the devastation of the infamous F5 twister in the movie).

Rick October 3, 2008

Good Blu-ray rendition, not great

I purchased the blu-ray disk to replace the standard DVD that I've owned for years because the SD version is awful, videowise. This blu-ray transfer is good, though I would not call it great.

If you are a fan of this movie, it is worth replacing if you own the SD version. September 29, 2008

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